What the studies found
Studied in men and women. Evidence: a meta-analysis and 4 placebo-controlled studies.
What the research means
The clearest results are in people whose levels were under pressure: men with age-related low testosterone, and adults under stress. The meta-analysis pooled randomized trials, and its authors call for larger ones.
In lab studies on the cells that make testosterone, Tongkat Ali extract protected testosterone production from oxidative stress and slowed its conversion to estrogen. Jung et al. 2022, Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition. Research into how the root’s other compounds contribute continues.
What the studies used
- Daily dose
- 100 to 200mg
- Who took part
- Stressed adults, and men aged 40 to 70 with low testosterone
- How long
- 4 weeks to 6 months
- Extract
- Standardized water extract of root
Before you start
- Low testosteroneOnly a blood test shows your level. Low energy and low drive have other causes too, so see a doctor.
- AthletesAt 300mg and 400mg a day, the testosterone to epitestosterone ratio used in anti-doping tests did not change. George et al. 2013, Journal of Sports Medicine and Doping Studies; Chen et al. 2014, International Journal of Preventive Medicine.
- Medication and health conditionsSpeak to a doctor or pharmacist first if you take prescription medicine or have a long-term health condition.
- PregnancyAvoid during pregnancy and while breastfeeding.
Common questions
Does Tongkat Ali contain testosterone?
No. It is a plant extract. The studies measured changes in the body’s own testosterone.
Has it been studied in women?
The 2013 stress study included 31 women and measured testosterone in men and women together.
Will it show up on a drug test?
Two studies found no change in the ratio sports drug tests look for. Tongkat Ali is not named on the World Anti-Doping Agency prohibited list. Check your sport’s rules before taking any supplement.